Wine, beer and spirits are definitely on the menu at the Good Food & Wine Show taking place at the Cape Town Convention Centre from 2-4 June.
“In wine there is truth,” wrote Pliny the Elder, and among the celebrated local wineries making an appearance this year visitors will find Benguela Cove, Bonnnievale Wines, Grande Provence and Raka, showcasing a true cross-section of South African terroir.
Also look out for the wines of Org du Rac, a certified-organic producer from the on-trend Swartland wine district.
Along with sipping and swirling while chatting to the winemakers, you can also tap into expert wine knowledge in the ever-popular Wine Theatre.
This year three of South Africa’s leading sommeliers – Lloyd Jusa (Saxon Hotel), Gregory Mutambe (12 Apostles Hotel) and Tinashe Nyamudoka (The Test Kitchen) – will delve into the fascinating world of wine, and share their experience and expertise in how to choose, cellar and enjoy South African wine.
“I love presenting at the Good Food and Wine Show because it is a family show,” says Jusa, the head sommelier and director of the Saxon Collection Wine Program at Johannesburg’s prestigious Saxon Hotel.
“There’s enough time to attend to attendees personal enquiries without them feeling intimidated by the traditional restaurant setting.” Jusa will be giving visitors to the Wine Theatre the inside track on everything from the best value wines for a South African winter and choosing the right everyday wines, to how to pick a good bottle of wine from any given wine list.
Love Gin - Pic supplied
If wine is the classic companion to a great meal, artisan gin is the on-trend addition to kick things off with, and at this year’s show there’s no shortage of juniper-infused spirit on offer. Don’t miss Malfy Gin, who will be showcasing their citrus-infused gin from the Italian city of Torino, while the clever kit from Love-Gin will teach you how to create bespoke botanical infusions at home.
Artisan gin came hot on the heels of the global craft beer movement, which also finds a home at the 2017 Good Food and Wine Show: look out for the unique cask-aged beers from acclaimed Scottish brewery Innis & Gunn.